Easiest Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) – PyCharm

I have used Python on and off over the last year or so and keep getting surprised how versatile the programming language is. From the start I have accepted that it’s a scripting language and always used a normal text editor with the hope of someday being able to develop in a proper Integrated Development Environment like Microsoft Visual Studio.

Well I have discovered what I was looking for and it has made things a 100 times easier. Its called PyCharm made by JetBrains the same software company that made a great productivity tool called Resharper. (…and its free!!!)

Below are some of the features I like about it…

Projects – Groups Python files making it easier to find things and to navigate. It also allows you to target multiple versions of Python.

Intellisense – Code completion to help you find the needed properties or method names. Code Templates that will create methods and properties as you go. Class, Method, Property Name searching.

Refactoring – Renaming covers all the files in the project. Moving and grouping code.

Debugging – Full debugger allowing you to step in and out of lines of code. Quick Watch and Normal Watch allows you to inspect the values of variables and objects.

Library import – It has a great feature that Integrates with PIP and allows you to search for libraries and install them on the fly.

Code Completion

Code Suggestions

Quick Doco

Find Usages

Run Tests

Code Inspection – It inspects your code and points out potential problems. Great for fixing spelling mistakes and keeping with coding standards.

Django Integration – Helps you setup and run in a few minutes.

Unit test integration – The Free version does not come with code coverage but can still do normal unit testing.

Version control integration – Integrates well with Git and other systems.